The Exemplar Project: Using Group Support Systems to Improve the Learning Environment

Abstract

Learning theory predicts, and studies have demonstrated that immediate and frequent feedback, cooperative learning, and well structured exposition can improve learning. Electronic group support systems offer new support for these concepts, and may lead to an improved learning environment. In this article we describe group support technology developed for the Exemplar project, and report the results of an experiment using the new technology to support learning. We found that students using the Exemplar system participated in lecture sessions at a much higher rate, generated significantly higher quality and quantity answers, and were more interested in both the proceedings that were students in traditional lectures.